6. Last Drinks

History Lab

Sep 4 2023 • 19 mins

In 1887 there were no less than 22 hotels in Darlinghurst. Over the next century and a half, the character, culture and clientele of Darlinghurst pubs evolved. This story explores the impact on Darlinghurst of two episodes of liquor licensing restrictions in NSW: six o’clock closing and the Sydney lockout laws.

Image: Royal Sovereign Hotel, corner Darlinghurst Rd and Liverpool St, 1921 (City of Sydney Archives)

Credits

This audio story is a production of the Australian Centre for Public History in partnership with the Paul Ramsay Foundation.

Producer: Catherine Freyne

Sound engineer: Judy Rapley

Music:

Archival: ABC Content Sales

Featuring:

  • Paul Solomon, publican’s son and grandson
  • Max Burns-McRuvie, owner of Journeywalks
  • Tyson Koh, founder of Keep Sydney Open